Biome-in-a-Box Project

Find research information at:

http://edujourney2.weebly.com/biome-diorama.html
You will investigate and understand how abiotic and biotic factors
relate to each other.

Biome-in-a-Box Diorama: DUE DATE: December 1st

You may choose from the following biomes:

Tundra
Taiga (Coniferous forest)
Tropical Rain Forest
Temperate Deciduous Forest
Desert
Grasslands (Savanna)
Wetlands (Estuary)
Freshwater

Included Item (can also be added to side or back of diorama)

A background drawing or scene
A world map indicating the biome regions location
A description of the climate including temperature and
rainfall
A list of at 12 biotic factors sorted by category
(producer, herbivore, carnivore, decomposer).
A food web of at least five 3-D animals and plants labeled
with names and descriptions
A warning about environmental hazards or human
influences for the biome
In addition, a LETTER TO THE BIOME will be written in class.

The letter will be graded on grammar (capitalization, punctuation,

and letter format) plus content.

Grading Rubric for Letter:

Letter to the Biome

Grammar and Letter Format /25

Abiotic factors

Seasons /10

Abiotic factor

Location /10

Biotic factors

Plants and animals /25

Abiotic factors

Temperature., rainfall, & soil /10

Unique conditions /10

Handwriting/Neatness /10

Total /100
EXAMPLES:
 The box for the project should be shoebox size or larger.
The diorama should contain:
o 3-D examples of at least five animals and plants in a food chain from the
biome
o The biome should be realistically represented with geographical features
such as mountains, streams, rivers, etc.
o You may use clay, paint, papier-mch, small plastic trees or animals, or
anything else that you can think of to portray your biome correctly. BE
CREATIVE!!
o A background on the back and sides of the box
The background may be painted, drawn and colored, or made of a
neat collage of pictures cut from magazines.
Information about abiotic and biotic factors can be typed and
printed from a word processor . . . then attached to the sides and
back of the diorama.

What Is It?
A diorama is a three-dimensional model that can be built on a flat surface or inside
an enclosed area such as a box. This type of model can be full sized or built to scale
as desired by the builder. An example of large dioramas can be seen in natural
history museums throughout the country.
A biome is defined as a major habitat category with similar climatic conditions and
specific communities of plants and animals. There are many biomes found around the
world. Each one has distinctive plants and animals that are adapted to that specific
environment. Students will need to study the biome they want to build to fully
understand what elements should be included in their display.
 Choosing a Biome
The materials required to make a scale model of a biome will be different according
to the environment chosen. For example, a tundra biome may have snow and ice as
part of the finished model. A biome of a deciduous forest will have broadleaf foliage.
Deserts may have sand and rainforests will have a wide variety of vegetation. Choose
a biome that is interesting and study the climate, where that specific biome is found
globally and any special adaptations of the animals or plants in that biome.
Determine what the ground looks like, how tall vegetation grows, how much water is
available and any geographic characteristics such as mountains.

Designing the Diorama

Once the biome has been chosen determine what items to include in the scale model.
Wild animals from a variety of environments are available as plastic toys and the use
of these animals will determine the scale of the finished model. A tundra biome may
include a polar bear while a rainforest may have parrots and a leopard. When using
plastic animals verify they are in scale to each other. The fox should not be larger
than the bear.
Draw a diagram of the finished diorama on a piece of paper that is the same size as
the finished product. Include where items such as plants, rocks, animals or water will
be placed. Determine what will need to be made, what can be painted directly onto
the base and what can be purchased already made. Choose the materials to use and
prepare the workspace.

Building the Model

Begin from the bottom or surface and work up when building the model. If the

diorama will be made inside of a box, work from the back toward the front and
the bottom toward the top.
Paint the background before adding other details. Lay the box so the 'back' is

flat before painting and leave it in this position until the paint dries to avoid runs
in the paint.
To create sand or dirt floors paint a thin layer of glue on the area, spread the

sand or dirt and allow the glue to dry. Tip the base and gently tap to remove the
extra sand or dirt.
 Items that may be painted include water features, grass, sky or plants. Allow all
paint to dry before continuing.
Once the paint and glue are dry, place the other elements in the diorama as
planned.
Make rocky or uneven terrain by crushing a sheet of newspaper in your hands.
Shape and cut the crushed paper to the desired shape and size then paint it with
a thick layer of white glue. Sprinkle dirt and sand over the glue and allow it to
dry. Place the finished terrain as desired in the model.
When using clay to represent items press the bottom of the clay onto a flat
surface before gluing in place. This will provide a more stable display.
View the model from several angles and adjust items as needed for the best view.
Once the locations of items have been finalized glue each item down firmly. Begin
at the back of the diorama and move forward. Allow the glue to dry overnight.
Review the final model to ensure all required details are included. Create a legend
to describe what items were included and why.
Verify your name is written on the finished model before handing it in.